BIFA FREIGHT SERVICE AWARDS CELEBRATE COMING OF AGE WITH NEW SPONSORS

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) - bifa.org - is seeking entries for its annual Freight Service Awards competition, which this year celebrates 21 years of recognising the best in the UK freight forwarding industry and which has attracted three new award sponsors.

The BIFA Freight Service Awards 2009 includes the new award category launched last year – the Environment Award – open to companies wishing to present a specific ‘green’ initiative or case study, which shows consideration for the environment or demonstrates a reduction in carbon footprint.

According to BIFA Director General, Peter Quantrill, the awards represent an opportunity for forwarders to step back from the trials and tribulations of working in, what has rapidly become, the toughest economic conditions for generations and celebrate what is strong and successful about the industry in 2009.

He says: “There is no question that, as we find ourselves in a period of downturn, this is the perfect opportunity to take time out to demonstrate excellence over and above the competition. Despite the inclement financial news, there remain strong success cases where forwarders have gone above and beyond to deliver on their promises and make what the shippers require happen.

“In fact, I have often thought that advertising and promoting your business is never more vital than during a downturn. With falling quantities of work available, it becomes a buyers’ market and it pays to make sure the customer knows you are still capable of delivering what they need. I believe that even the act of entering the awards can serve to improve a forwarder’s business processes and operations.”

As well as encouraging and rewarding high standards and professionalism, these awards also represent the ultimate recognition of special achievement in different sectors of the freight forwarding and logistics industry. Now in their 21st year, BIFA’s Freight Service Awards are open to all full trading Members of the trade association, which represents UK companies engaged in the international movement of freight by all modes of transport.

Five existing sponsors have reconfirmed their support of the event, which also welcomes three new sponsors: human resources IT provider, Albacore Systems is sponsoring the Staff Development Award; heavy lift shipping line, BBC Chartering is supporting the Project Forwarding Category; and software/services supplier Forward Computers is sponsoring the Special Services Award.

Each of the nine award categories is recognised as very prestigious, and winning an award has become more coveted year-on-year. The deadline for receipt of the entry form, which confirms a company’s intention to enter, is Friday 18 September. Actual submissions are due by Tuesday 6 October 2009 at 5.00pm. Finalists will be announced at the end of October 2009, while winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday 21 January 2010.

The ceremony luncheon continues to be a key annual event on the industry calendar. This event will take place on Thursday 21 January next year at a prestigious venue in Central London. More than 400 BIFA members and their guests are expected to attend. The luncheon will provide a valuable opportunity for attendees to acknowledge the winners as well as networking with people from within the industry.

Comments Mr Quantrill: “Since we established these awards 21 years ago, we have always held that the standard of entries continues to improve. We are always delighted at the quality of the entrants who are aspiring to be recognised as the best in the industry. This aspiration continues to drive standards to improve each year. That is why, in this my third year as Director General, I am again looking forward to another successful competition and expect a large number of entries.”

The nine BIFA Freight Service Awards 2009 are as follows:

• Air Freight Award – sponsored by British Airways World Cargo
• Environment Award – sponsored by CargoWise edi
• European Logistics Award – sponsored by TT Club
• Ocean Freight Award
• Project Forwarding Award – sponsored by BBC Chartering
• Special Services Award – sponsored by Forward Computers
• Staff Development Award – sponsored by Albacore Systems Ltd
• Supply Chain Management Award – sponsored by BoxTop Technologies
• Young Freight Forwarder Award – sponsored by Johnson Stevens Agencies

Further information relating to entries and luncheon reservations can be obtained by visiting the Events section of the BIFA website www.bifa.org

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) represents UK companies engaged in the international movement of freight by all modes of transport. A not-for-profit organisation, BIFA is funded by subscription and run by its members for members. It operates with a full-time Secretariat, which administers and manages the Association’s affairs. BIFA provides an effective and proactive organisation dedicated to improving standards of professionalism within the logistics and supply chain industry.

DMR House
8-10 Cleave Avenue,
Farnborough, Orpington
Kent BR6 7DR
UNITED KINGDOM

Tel: +44 (0) 1689 860660
Fax: +44 (0) 1689 850484
e-mail: impcomms@yahoo.co.uk

This release was published on openPR.